PREVIEW: PONTARDAWE TOWN

Following last weekend’s emphatic 5–1 victory over Llantwit Major, Craig Williams’ side are at home again this Friday for the first of a double-header, as newly promoted Pontardawe Town make the trip to Aberystwyth University Park Avenue.

The standout performer last weekend was 16-year-old Gruff Sedgwick, who marked his debut in adult football in style by providing three assists. His impressive display also earned him a well-deserved place in the Cymru South Team of the Week.

Pontardawe secured their return to the second tier in May, overcoming former League of Wales champions Cwmbran Town 2–0 in the Ardal South Play-Off to bring an end to their two-year spell in the third tier.

Their promotion came after a strong finish to the campaign, with nine wins from their final 10 league matches securing second place in the Ardal South West. However, manager Christian Evans departed shortly after the play-off victory, with veteran defender Steve Berry since taking charge.

The new manager got off to a flying start, guiding his side to a 3–0 victory over fellow promoted side Caerphilly Athletic in their opening game of the season. They have since suffered three consecutive defeats against Pontypridd, Newport City and Afan Lido, leaving them 13th in the league table with three points from their opening four matches.

There will be a familiar face in the Pontardawe line-up, as Seasiders supporters will recognise captain Dan Alfei, who spent the 2016/17 season with the Black & Greens before moving on to Yeovil Town.

Both sets of supporters will also remember the last meeting between the two sides. A Welsh Cup tie in October 2023 was settled in dramatic fashion, as Steff Davies struck a 95th-minute winner to seal a 2–1 victory for Anthony Williams’ Aber.

With confidence high after last weekend’s impressive performance and another big home crowd expected, the Black & Greens will be looking to carry that momentum into Friday night and make it back-to-back victories at Park Avenue.